The Great Space Iguana

Hilo #11

by Judd Winick

Get ready for adventure, friendship, and lots of laughs with the New York Times Bestselling Graphic novel kids love! Hilo may be the boy who crashed to earth...but when a Space Iguana shows up D.J.s backyard, it turns out it's D.J. who might be the key to saving the universe!

"An action-packed page-turner with heart!" --Dav Pilkey, creator of DOG MAN

AHHHHH! A GIANT SPACE IGUANA has landed in D.J.’s backyard. Where did she come from? And why is the whole universe out to get her?! D.J., Hilo, and Gina will have to RACE through space to get her home! Iif they don’t, the whole universe will be in DANGER! But there’'s a galaxy of TROUBLE—(not to mention one super annoyed alien dad, some very cranky monsters, and a warrior match combat challenge (um, what?!?!)—in their way. Can they make it?! (And how is D.J. at driving a spaceship, anyway?)

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Adventure, Comic Book

240 pages, Hardcover

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Judd Winick is an American cartoonist, comic book writer, screenwriter, and former reality television personality known for his diverse contributions to storytelling across multiple media. He first entered the public eye in 1994 as a cast member on The Real World: San Francisco, where he formed a close friendship with AIDS educator Pedro Zamora, an experience that deeply influenced his later work. Winick memorialized their bond in Pedro and Me, a critically acclaimed autobiographical graphic novel that earned several literary awards and became a staple in school curricula.

Winick's career in comics took off with The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius and continued with major runs at DC Comics, including Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Batman. His stories often explored socially relevant themes, such as HIV, homophobia, and identity. He was recognized for introducing gay characters and tackling difficult subjects with empathy and clarity. His work on Batman notably included resurrecting the character Jason Todd as the Red Hood, a storyline later adapted into the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood, for which Winick wrote the screenplay.

Beyond comics, he created The Life and Times of Juniper Lee for Cartoon Network and served as head writer for Hulu's The Awesomes. In 2015, he launched the Hilo series, an all-ages sci-fi adventure inspired by his own children. The bestselling series has been widely praised and is expected to reach its eleventh volume in 2025.

Winick lives in San Francisco with his wife, Pam Ling, also a Real World alum, and their two children. He continues to create heartfelt and imaginative stories for audiences of all ages.

Reviews

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Why do I continue to enjoy Hilo?

Even though the plot is beyond convoluted, everything else in this series still works for me. The bonds between the characters, particularly Hilo, DJ, and Gina still work.

Winick's art is still top notch - although I questions some of the character design on Hilo's face in this volume.

But the main winner is the jokes. Nearly every page has a gag, visual or verbal, and they continue to be fresh and funny. That's it for me. Ultimately, they're just really funny books.

Also the blurb at the back of this one is for a Hilo Holiday Special in 2026. I'd be lying if I said that didn't sound awesome. I'm more excited for a Hilo volume outside of whatever story arc we're currently in than I would be for an official Volume 12.

[mikey · Rating 5 out of 5]

yall will never understand this is PEAK

[Ashley Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the best’s

It was a very exciting book and left on a big climax, but I still think it should go on from Hilo rise of the cat.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series Info/Source: This is the 11th volume in the Hilo series. I bought this in hardcover.

Thoughts: I started reading this middle grade graphic novel series with my son many years ago. He has stopped reading it but I continue to get the books because I love them so much and they are so much fun! This is another great installment in the Hilo series. This book ties together the stories from the 9th and 10th books. I loved seeing all these characters come together in this book.

When a giant space iguana shows up in D.J.s back yard chaos ensures. Our favorite characters are in a race across space while chased by hoards of angry aliens in an effort to return the space iguana to its home planet. In the midst of this we learn that Gina has a final trial to perform before she can return home for good and D.J. may be more important than we ever knew.

I love these books, and this one was just as wonderful as all the others in this series. We get more character development, and the story from the previous books comes together to help explain magic versus science in this world. There are some fun new characters introduced and all of our old favorites are here as well.

The drawings are colorful and fun and entertaining to look at. The dialogue is witty and silly all at once. I love the enthusiastic joy of the characters (especially Hilo). There is a lot of humor in here that will make you chuckle out loud. All of this is wrapped up into a fast-paced and engaging book that I really enjoyed.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I loved this. If you are looking for a humorous middle grade adventure graphic novel, I would highly recommend. This digs a bit into magic versus science and has a lot about family and friendship as well. This is all packed into a colorful, cheerful, action packed story that is incredibly entertaining and engaging. This is a series that both kids and adults can enjoy together (or on their own). I look forward to more Hilo novels in the future!

[D.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this series so much. There are real stakes and character development. This volume even brings back DJ’s wanting to feel special from book one, but you’d be surprised to find out how he is.

Also, I love that Gina is a real main character and not just regulated to the background. She has her own storylines and arcs aside from DJ and Hilo.

I wonder how Hilo will change next with some of the foreshadowing here.

I’m the slightest bit annoyed that in the middle of the all the ramped drama the next book is a holiday-themed one, but alas I’m always down for more Hilo books.

[Jaymie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - This was a fun story, but it didn't seem to advance the overarching story of the series very far. This felt a bit like a "filler" book. I think kids will enjoy the adventure - I did! But there are more questions than answers in the end. The next book seems to be a holiday interlude, so it will be awhile before readers can find out what's next for these characters. I'm looking forward to both the next series story AND the holiday book!

[Wade Huggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Great Space Iguana continues to have silly creative writing appealing to 4-6th grade students. The plot revolves around a giant space iguana landing in D.J.'s backyard which leads to a series of adventures that involve traveling through space and facing challenges. The book ties into previous books, developing the magic vs. science theme and exploring the world's lore.


Recommended for ages 8-10 by SEPA school Library book reviewers.

[John Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only should I not care about this book
because it is aimed at young people.
I am not.
It is also no. 11 in the series.
There is no reason why HILO is still
entertaining, gripping and with a surprising
amount of deep feels.

I suppose it all comes down to the
sheer weight of Judd Winink's
massive talent.

From Frumpy The Clown ( a daily strip ahead of it's time )
To Barry Ween Boy Genius ( so funny, so profane )
Judd Winick has always delivered.

[Katherine]

My 7 year old and I went through all 11 books in a span of a few weeks - sometimes reading together, sometimes reading on our own. This is the first series he REALLY got into and would rush to the library to find the next one. I didn't think I would like the graphic novel, but I was pulled in by the story. My son doesn't like things that are too scary and this was the perfect amount of drama for him. It was funny, endearing, and packed with love.

[Sarah Alamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are so proud of you for reading "The Great Space Iguana"! You learned something beautiful - that true friends help each other, even when it's hard or scary. Just like D.J., Hilo, and Gina worked together to help the space iguana get home safely, you can help your friends when they need you too. Being a good friend means being brave and kind. You are doing an amazing job reading your books, sweetie. Keep up the wonderful work!

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hijinks, space iguanas, trail mix, and simply space in general with the humorous next book in the graphic novel series featuring the alien kid Hilo and his group of friends.

Plenty of "alien creatures" in this one and the quest to return equilibrium by getting everyone back to their homes whether in space or on Earth. I'm assuming it will wrap up shortly?

[Jame_EReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

👦🏻reviews: Aliens, iguana, hero and danger in a story? This laugh out loud graphic novel is my second one in the series. I enjoyed the clear and colorful illustrations and the storyline is really funny. This is as good as the first Hilo #1. This is another one to read after Dog Man.

[Corina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly and fun but not nearly as good as the other books in the series. Kids agree!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

These continue to be charming and emotionally resonant and fast paced and surprising.

[Arman Waggoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, All Caught up! Hilo, D.J. and Gina are back again for a space-time explanation for what happened During Book 10.

[norah melden (death by tbr) · Rating 3 out of 5]

this series is not as cool as i remember it being ( to be fair i was ten so judgement was questionable)

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilo is amazing. My son and I always get excited when we discover a new volume has come out. Volume 11 does not disappoint.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to the holiday edition next year! & of course, the next installment b/c I'm on the edge of my seat.

[Raven Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ending on a cliffhanger, things were not as strong as they have been up to this point, but still the fun and crazy we know and love from Hilo and friends.

[Free Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute story but had a cliffhanger without a book 12 which doesn't make sense but oh well.

[Astha Kanani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. Once again cute moments. Interesting where he is taking the series. So sad we only get one book a year. :(

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaahhhhhh! I love that greeting! And also, that’s how I feel about it taking so long to get the next book. The Great Space Iguana is another fun installment in the series and my kids LOVE it!! Heck! I love it as much as they do. But the next book being released is a holiday special book and the next in the series is nowhere in sight. I know you can’t rush a good thing, but it is hard to have patience when it’ll likely be another year before we know what happens next!!!!